Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Mistaken Words ❯ Cornered with Nowhere to Run ( Chapter 46 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Mistaken Words

Thanks again to my editors! You two rule!

Disclaimer: Still don't own Gundam Wing.

Cornered With Nowhere to Run

Trowa attempted to stifle another yawn as he leaned on Cathrine's couch. It had been a long couple of weeks for him, guarding Relena, performing at the circus, and finding time to work with Heero. He hadn't been left with too much time for sleep, but it was only just now beginning to catch up to him. He hadn't actually been able to go in to see Heero for the past two days, as he tried to find himself a little time to sleep. John had also spoken to Trowa about getting Heero on a more normal sleep schedule, now that John was going to be bringing in a physical therapist to work with Heero.

“Aww, my poor little brother, what have they been doing to you?” Cathrine asked sweetly as she walked into her trailers small living room.

“Nothing I can't handle,” he replied looking up to her with a smirk. Nearing on four years since the war had ended, the circus had ceased to travel the earth and colonies. Preferring to remain near to the Sank Kingdom as a permanent tourist attraction, but despite the fact they no longer traveled most of the performers still lived within their little trailers. Preferring the memory of years past over the more permanent feel of a house.

“Well here,” she said offering him a steaming glass, “I made you some coffee.”

Trowa accepted the drink with a nod of thanks, and quickly swallowed a large mouthful, it burned his mouth and throat but he was used to that feeling and actually rather enjoyed it. He took a moment to study his sister as she busied herself about the living room. His memories from during the war were unusual to say the least, especially where Cathrine was concerned. He could remember meeting her twice, seeing her as a different person each time. Once a cheerful woman, who had tried to get to know him despite his cold persona. And another time, as his protector when he had forgotten almost everything. She was now a little mix of both, he no longer looked to her for protection, but that didn't stop her from trying to protect him.

It had surprised Trowa the first time he had felt possessive of his sister, when he had watched a few guys leering at her from a distance. She dressed to impress, always had, it often drew the wrong kind of attention but Cathrine was prepared to handle that, so Trowa had remained silent on it. She looked back over her shoulder winking at him, “Something on your mind?”

“No…” Trowa tried to hide another yawn, “Not really.”

Cathrine came over to him, dropping down onto the seat next to him. She took the empty cup of coffee from his hands and placed in on the table. “You're off today right?” she asked, Trowa could feel her eyes studying his face but he didn't look over just silently nodded. “Then why don't you lay down her for a while, take a nap,” Cathrine leaned over him so he couldn't help but look at her.

Trowa let a ghost of a smile touch his face, “I'll be alright,” Cathrine's eyes sparkled as she smiled at him trying to see around his shock of hair to both his eyes behind.

“Haven't I taught you to listen to your older sister?” she punched him lightly in the shoulder trying to get a reaction out of him. She was always trying to get more than just the faint smiles and soft chuckles out of him, sometimes he wondered what she was looking for, this was just the way he was. But Cathrine's persistent cheerful nature did rub off on him sometimes, not in any real obvious way, though Cathrine must have noticed which was why she kept trying.

“Not when she's treating me like a two year-old,” Trowa commented dryly.

Cathrine laughed at that, “Sometimes it's nice to be pampered,” she took hold of his shoulders then, as though intending on laying him down herself. Trowa shook his head slowly unfolding his arms and gently removing Cathrine's from him. She pouted at that “You're no fun.”

He offered her a more visible smile at that, but the expression left quickly when his cell phone suddenly rang. Reaching into his pocket Trowa flipped it open and brought it to his ear, as he watched Cathrine get up from the couch carrying his empty mug with her into the kitchen. “Barton,” he answered into the phone assuming—with good reason—that it was one of the other pilots.

“Trowa, it's Wufei,” the Chinese man spoke a second later, “Look I know it's your day off today, but could you come in, we need another person for Relena's meeting this afternoon.”

“What happened to Duo?” Trowa asked running a hand down his face as he let his head drop back onto the back of the couch.

“He's taken Hilde to the hospital, they think she might be in labour.”

“Ahh…” the former pilot breathed, remembering full well how Duo had been the first time around. By all accounts from nursing staff and other `normal' people he had taken it surprisingly well, remaining calm and in control the whole time. To the pilots Duo had appeared freaked, scared out of his mind, but it had all passed quickly. With just one child Duo had become a pro, and had shared with them all a little of his joy. “Yeah I can come in,” he sat forward suddenly glancing at his watch, “I'll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“Alright, we're in the common room,” Wufei told him before shutting off his phone.

Trowa did the same slipping the small device back into his pocket before he forced himself to stand. Black spots flashed before his eyes but vanished just as quickly, and he took a moment to stretch his long lean body. Though his eyes had closed Trowa felt his sister's approach and knew her intent was to catch him while his guard was `down'. Reacting on instinct Trowa grabbed his sister's arm—far gentler than he would have someone attacking him—and pulled her into a quick hug.

Cathrine squeezed him tightly, looking down at her Trowa knew she was smiling, “You can be so unpredictable at times,” her pleasure was clear in her voice. “Will you be back in time for the show tonight? Will you be too tired to dodge my knives?” she asked suddenly.

It had taken quite a bit of convincing to have Cathrine's act changed, it had been a year or so after the war, that Trowa had really begun to feel the void in his life that adrenaline had filled during battle. During a practice run of their performance Trowa had moved suddenly into the daggers path before ducking to avoid it. He could still remember the surge of adrenaline that had coursed through him that night. Cathrine had been horrified, she had screamed at him to never do it again, she had nearly been in tears at the thought of hurting him. But it had been what Trowa was looking for, what he felt he needed in his life, a little excitement he was having trouble finding anywhere else.

She had been a hard one to convince, but Trowa had managed to prove that he could avoid injury while putting on an excellent show for the audience. Thinking back, Trowa felt that might have been one of the first moments they had bonded as brother and sister. Despite her reservations Cathrine had been able to understand him, to clearly see what he was searching for. And give it to him, if not a little bit reluctantly. They had surprised the rest of the circus group with their new performance, and had been a show stopper. Of course to make it safe for the audience Cathrine was still throwing at targets. Targets that Trowa just so happened to leap in front of and away from seconds before the dagger hit. At times Trowa was even required to catch the knives himself using wooden boards to stop their flight. The show was a great deal more high energy for Trowa, leaving him almost jittery feeling by the end.

“I'll be here,” he said releasing his sister and making his way towards the door, he doubted they'd need him for too long, Relena's meetings didn't often go beyond ten, it was a policy of hers. She liked to get a decent sleep each night, and it made sense when you held such an important position.

“But will you be awake?” Cathrine's voice was worried.

Trowa looked down at her his lips touched by a smile, he knew no matter what he said or did she'd worry. She always did, after almost two years of performing this new show, Cathrine still felt the need to try and check him over, make sure he hadn't been nicked. “I'll be awake,” he assured before walking out the door, she really did worry too much about him.

It took Trowa less than ten minutes to make it to the agency. It should have taken longer but he tended to drive with a lead foot when he was alone. Pulling into the parking lot Trowa left his car behind and strode up into the agency. He briefly considered heading to his apartment before meeting up with the others. If he was guarding Relena he'd need to change into his uniform. As he stepped into the elevator he decided he wanted to see if there had been any word from Duo yet. Their first child had been born very quickly it was likely the second would come the same.

Striding out into the empty hall Trowa walked passed Heero's door, wondering how his friend was doing right now. It had taken him a long time to start mentally thinking of Heero as his friend. It's what he wanted but didn't think he deserved. Heero had managed to convince him otherwise with time and persistence. Coming to a stop outside the common room Trowa punched in the code and walked in, finding himself greeted by Wufei and Relena, he nodded to them both taking a step towards them.

“How's Hilde doing?” he asked right off.

“Excellent!” Duo beamed coming up behind him, Trowa turned to look and saw the braided pilot standing in front of the door as though blocking anyone from exciting or leaving. Trowa's brow furrowed a little, had Duo ducked into the room just after him to block his exit?

Trowa's attention switched to Wufei and Relena then, more importantly Wufei who was watching him with a calm expression. “I lied,” he admitted with an indifferent shrug, “I doubted you'd come if I told you there's an important matter we need to discuss.”

“We always have something important to talk about,” Trowa countered a little angrily, he didn't like being deceived by his friends, despite the fact he had done it to them on occasion and probably would again if the need should arise.

“Mainly Heero,” Wufei said as though finishing his previous statement.

This was no surprise to Trowa, he had been expecting them to try something like this for some time. After all he was their friend, and from what they had seen he hadn't made an attempt to go in and see Heero. Relena rose from her seat on the couch. Trowa looked into her eyes, and saw sadness and regret, as she stepped towards him. “Trowa…” she reached out a hand hesitantly towards him, “I'm sorry…for what I said…” the former pilot shook his head, her words fresh in his mind if he allowed himself to think about them. But after being around Heero for over a month, spending his time talking and working with him, Trowa had been able to put her words behind him, to begin the slow process of forgiving himself.

“Don't worry about that,” he told her in a gentle tone, he didn't want to actually think about it, what had taken him longer to deal with was looking at Relena not remembering her harsh words.

“I wish it were that easy…” she said with a forced smile.

Trowa glanced about, finding himself surrounded with no exit. Duo leaned against the door looking very comfortable but at the same time determined he wasn't about to move if Trowa asked him too. He sighed remembering his promise to Heero. Quatre had found out, but it was hard to keep such things from such an intuitive person. John had found out, but that had been for the best, Trowa really didn't want to be telling everyone about it, not unless he knew Heero was okay with it.

“How long are you going to avoid him?” Wufei asked suddenly.

“We've all spoken to him, more than once,” Duo piped in then, “If he can forgive us he'll forgive you.”

He wondered how long they had been planning this, “Why not just let me deal with this?” he asked in what he hoped didn't sound like an exhausted voice. He really hadn't been prepared to fend them off when he came in.

“But you're not dealing with it,” Duo countered. This wasn't the first time Duo had tried to bring up Heero in a conversation and Trowa had been forced to sidestep quickly without rising eyebrows. “Hell even Sally's gone in to see him,” Trowa understood without explanation how hard that must have been for her.

“Has Heero been asking for me?” he asked in tones that he knew were dry, and could be mistaken for hurt, he didn't like keeping up this charade but it was Heero's choice.

“He's said you'll come when you're ready,” Wufei responded, “We're just wondering if that'll ever happen, you've been avoiding us nearly as much as Heero over this past month.”

Just easier that way Trowa thought to himself letting out a sigh. What was it going to take to get them to back off?

“I don't want to see you lose Heero as a friend over something I thoughtlessly said,” It wasn't thoughtless Trowa kept that thought to himself knowing it would only inflame the situation. “I know Heero feels the same way,” she looked up at him eyes filled with regret.

Trowa drew in a calming breath feeling totally cornered, everyone's eyes locked onto him waiting to see what he'd say, all of them were ready to countered anything he had to say in his defence. He couldn't blame them, he as much as the rest wanted to put this whole mess behind him, not that it could ever be that easy. Trowa was just coming to the decision that forcing his way past Duo was going to be his only option when the door behind the braided man opened revealing John standing behind.

The tension in the room seemed to vanish at the old doctor's appearance, as all eyes turned to him, and John just stood there staring. “Am I interrupting something?” he asked stepping into the room.

“Not at all,” Trowa responded quickly, noting deeper lines than usual creased John's aged face, things with Heero must not have been going well.

A smile touched John's lips at that as his eyes swept the room taking in everyone present, it wouldn't take much for John to understand why everyone was here. “So what's brought all of you together?” he asked feigning ignorance.

“Nothing that can't wait,” Trowa responded in a tired voice, as he turned towards the door.

To Trowa's surprise it was John who reached out to stop him, “Actually I need you here right now,” the old doctor gently turned Trowa and walked deeper into the room.

“How's Heero?” Relena asked walking towards him.

“Stressed I'm sure,” his smile faded at that, “Why don't you go see if you can relax him.” Relena nodded and with one last concerned look Trowa's way she left the room behind. John watched her leave before he took a seat on the couch so he was facing everyone. Trowa studied his face curiously realising that after a moment that didn't seem to be good enough for the old doctor. “Come sit,” he bade motioning towards the other seats.

Trowa sighed dropping himself down onto an empty armchair, happy at least to be sitting down. He watched the others, Wufei hadn't been that far from the couch to begin with so he just lowered himself down next to John. Duo on the other hand looked reluctant to leave his position by the door, but seeing as Trowa had really settled back, Duo finally did come, but sat more to the edge of his seat.

“Any progress?” Wufei asked after a second of silence, “Between Heero and Leon?”

It was John's turn to sigh, “No, he just can't seem to relax enough around her, I'm afraid this may end up doing more harm then good.” He looked squarely Trowa's way, “Which is why I'm glad you're all here.”

Trowa wondered silently what was coming from all this, would John break Heero's confidence by telling the others he had been in to see their injured friend?

Still looking directly at Trowa, “I think it's time we put aside what Heero might want, and do what is best for him.”

Trowa felt the other two pilots looking his way now, there had been a not so subtle point to his words, more than enough to alert Duo and Wufei's senses. Still Trowa remained silently watching John, he wasn't planning on being the first to break Heero's confidence.

“I've been thinking a little about this,” John began briefly glancing to the others as he leaned back on the couch, “And I was hoping you could work with him. I'd want Leon to remain, but you'd be better able to tell when he's actually in pain than she will. Besides that you've done it before.”

Results weren't perfect though… he thought to himself, but at the same time supposed with Leon overseeing everything he'd know where the mistakes were made and be able to avoid them.

In the face of Trowa's continued silence John spoke up for him explaining to Wufei and Duo, what they probably already understood but needed confirmation of. “Trowa's been working with Heero nearly every night for the last month. It's been Heero's secret.”

“So you were the Gun Fairy,” Duo said with a slight laugh. Trowa just shut his eyes at that, subtly shaking his head, he was never going to live that down.

“We were fairly sure it had to have been you, since none of us had brought Heero the gun, but when he claimed not to have seen you yet we just figured you had dropped it off,” Wufei explained.

“So John, you were the only one who knew?” Duo asked then.

“Quatre knew,” Trowa finally spoke up, not at all surprised at how well the two of them had taken this news, it was what they wanted to hear but had never expected.

“It would be hard to keep something like that from him,” Wufei commented.

“Heero may not be happy about this, but if Leon instructed you would you be willing to devote more time towards working with him?” John asked eyes returning to Trowa's tired face, “Of course it would now be during the day, it's about time the boy gets on a natural sleep pattern.”

Trowa nodded his head using that movement to stifle another yawn, he had been doing really well up until now, but sitting down it was harder to convince himself that he didn't need sleep. “When do you want to start?” he asked looking at John with what he hoped were alert eyes.

“You and Heero really both need a day at least before we start,” John responded with a smile, “Why don't you go get some sleep.”

He wasn't surprised John had noticed, he was an amazingly observant man, that much Trowa had learned from watching him interact with Heero.

“Before that,” Duo cut in suddenly, “There's something I've been meaning to discuss with all of you. Heero found the video file.”

Trowa glanced at Duo with an eyebrow raised “Video file?” he asked wondering what all he had actually missed while going to see Heero.

“It's a video made by the Inner Circle chronicling the creation of Heero's brand, unfortunately it doesn't give us any faces to work with.” Duo explained as he shifted restlessly on the edge of his seat, leaning forward so his elbows rested on knees and fingers were locked together, “So we're still trying to expand the list of names Heero gave us.”

Holding in a sigh Trowa forced himself to ask the next stupid sounding question, “What brand?”

“The Inner Circle brand every member with the phoenix, I discovered a while back that Heero had one on his shoulder blade,” John answered, “He told Zechs later that he wasn't branded. I thought it would be best not to mention it to him, until he was better, but at the beginning of June, Duo found this video footage…”

“Ahh…” Trowa cut in nodding his head, now understanding what they were talking about.

“I've moved the file, and increased the security, but with so much free time on his hands he's bound to find it again,” Duo spoke now to everyone in the room.

“And when he does find it?” Trowa asked, trying to imagine how he'd feel discovering such a thing on himself, that his friends had tried to hide from him. Still not knowing exactly what had led them to take this course Trowa wasn't about to judge, but he did want to be sure they knew what they were doing. “Do you think he'll be grateful that you kept it from him?”

“I felt at the time it was discovered it was best not to mention it to him, I still think it'll only cause problems,” John answered sounding very sure of himself when he did. “I'll take the brunt of his aggression if that's what we're met with when he does find out.”

“Besides, Heero shouldn't have all that much free time in the coming weeks,” Wufei spoke as he moved to stand from the couch, “You have plans for today?” he asked Trowa.

The green eyed man ran a hand absently down his face, “Not particularly, why?”

“Go get some sleep,” he said bluntly staring critically at Trowa's face, “You need it.” It sounded to Trowa as though Wufei were trying to take on the role of his sister, if he had said no to her what were the chances he'd agree to what Wufei wanted?

“Are all of you always this stubborn?” John asked suddenly, looking rather amused as his eyes moved from face to face.

“Old habits…” Trowa answered softly, that's all it really was, so many habits from the war, so many ways of looking at life, and reacting to things. None of it was really necessary now, other than to be as John said, stubborn. Pushing himself up from the chair with minimal effort Trowa turned towards the door. There wasn't really anything else—in his mind—that needed to be said, so he merely gave a little wave and walked out, heading towards his apartment.

WMWMWMW

Heero's entire body felt leaded and ached from the work he had done with Leon that day, and his mind felt exhausted from having to deal with the woman. He felt strung out, a feeling that at any other time would have had him pacing or losing himself in something his mind found relaxing. Unable to do such a thing, Heero was left fuming. That was, until Relena had walked into his room. He was at all times amazed at the calming effect she had on him, and even more so at the void she left behind when she left. Heero couldn't remember a time before he had felt that being without her bothered him so much. But it did now, and that was a fact he was constantly having to struggle with.

Relena reclined on the bed beside him, her body pressed close to his as she fiddled with his laptop, searching through internet sites that she liked and showing him some interesting things she had found. Just being there near to him, seeming to know without him having to say anything, that that alone would be enough for him to relax. He watched her, content with a smile on his face, and tried to push aside the deluge of emotions and thoughts that were keeping him from truly relaxing. But his sudden `need' for Relena was just something he couldn't push from his mind, such as times when he had really missed the comradely of the pilots back with Ash, he was left wondering when had he stopped being a loner, when had the presence of friends really started to matter to him? When had Relena managed to get such a hold over him?

Absently Heero's hand reached up to touch Relena's silky hair, and he wondered why he liked the feel of it so much. In response to his light touch Relena titled her head towards him giving better access to her long hair. They stayed like that for a time, Relena humming a song she liked while browsing an online store she often shopped from. Finally she stopped what she was doing and turned to look at him, “You're not uncomfortable are you?”

The question seemed out of the blue for Heero, but he responded nevertheless, “I'm alright.” That brightened the smile on Relena's face, but she didn't turn back to the computer instead she shifted so she was laying on her side next to him, Heero moved his left arm so it was beneath her allowing his fingers to remain entwined in her hair.

Relena settled in resting her left hand lightly on his chest, her fingers absently playing with the folds of his shirt, “Do you need anything?” she asked looking deeply into his eyes.

Heero's first thought was Not while you're here but that wasn't something he felt he could externalise, so instead he just looked back, and shook his head. Relena's smile grew as though she could read his thoughts and she leaned in slowly pressing her lips to his. His hand, still carefully tangled in her hair, pressed against her back, holding her where she was as he moved to deepen the kiss. He felt her hand slip inside his shirt gently stroking down his side, it was a light ghosting touch which caused him to shiver. They had managed to cross the barrier, break down that imposing wall that stood between them, Heero wasn't entirely sure when it had happened, or who had put more aside and struggled harder, but they were there.

Pulling back just enough to draw a breath of air Relena smiled down at him, “This isn't really restful is it?” she asked in a breathless voice. Settling down beside him Relena rested her head lightly on his shoulder removing her hand from within his shirt as she tilted her head to look up at him. “Do you remember Heero?”

He looked down at her his senses surrounded by her presence, “Remember what?”

“What changed us…” she answered vaguely, her eyes studying his face waiting for what he was sure should be recognition.

A bit of advice given to him by Duo floated out of the depths of Heero's mind as he looked back into Relena's eyes. `About the only advice I can offer is to remember just about every little event, you'll never know which is really important to them until they ask about it later.' Heero didn't have to think for long to know what Relena had been vaguely referring to. His right hand moved from its resting place at his side and reached across his body for Relena's entwining their fingers together.

It was such a simple thing, and something he had done more than once before the time Relena had been referring to. But Heero himself had known there was something fundamentally different about this time from the others. He had led her through crowds on more than one occasion, helped her up or down from a shuttle, but those felt so impersonal in comparison.

Relena's smile widened at his silent response and her eyes turned towards their hands as her slender fingers tightened around his. It was clear to Heero Relena was considering this, and the slightly evil glint that entered her eyes he found a little unsettling. “Do you remember where?” she asked then looking back at his face.

Heero didn't hesitate to answer, “Copper Penny,” it had been a small pub they had found while travelling through an unassuming North American city, on route home form a conference. Relena had liked the look of the city so much she had managed to convince Heero it was worth the time to wander around. In the evening they had ended up in a secluded corner of that small pub. They had not really been noticed at all during the day, but Heero still preferred the shadows. It had been while they were sitting in that pub that Heero had felt a subtle change come between them. Not understanding where they stood or what they actually were to each other Heero really didn't know how to continue.

Relena had been quietly talking to him as they lingered over their drinks, every so often she'd lean in close as though to whisper something private into his ear. She had worn a smile on her face that had been two things, both unsure and hopeful. She had been searching for something though he hadn't really been sure what. There had been an unusual tension between them for a little while now, he hadn't really been sure when it had started, but it was more pronounced now than it had ever been. Even now Heero wasn't sure what had driven his actions back then, but he had slowly reached for Relena's hand lacing their fingers together, the difference had been immediately obvious even if the reason for it hadn't been. Relena had only hesitated a moment that night before she had leaned in to whisper those quiet thoughts.

“I knew you'd never forget,” she whispered, now settling a little more comfortable beside him her eyes closing as though she was considering going to sleep. That didn't seem like such a bad idea to Heero, he let his eyes fall closed feeling more comfortable than he had in a long time.

Thanks for Reading!

A Change for the Better:

John smiled at the expression he saw on Heero's face once Trowa had them both in the pool, it had to have been the first time he saw the boy look truly happy. It was different from the times he had spent with Relena, John was watching as Heero got a little of his freedom back. He was sure Heero knew it wasn't going to last, as soon as he got out of the water, he'd be reliant on others again, but for the moment maybe he could allow himself to forget that and think of something else. John eased himself down onto a bench and watched as Trowa quietly spoke to Heero adjusting his hold on the boy and getting the exercise underway.

Heero's movements were a little jerky to begin with but soon he was swimming on the spot with Trowa holding him in place. John could see that Heero's skin was pebbled with Goosebumps from the cool water, and his lips were beginning to turn a faint hint of blue, but he knew the boy wasn't about to complain about being cold. His eyes were drawn to the brand on Heero's back, it was like black on white against his skin, impossible to overlook, and there was no hope it would ever fade. The Inner Circle had spent too much time perfecting it. John felt sick just looking at it, knowing what had been done to make it look so crisp and sharp, despite that—perhaps even because of that—he still felt it was the best thing not to bring it to Heero's attention.

Blinking John returned his attention to what was happening in front of him Heero was once more standing in the water but leaning a little more heavily on Trowa's arm. Trowa asked the boy something quietly and Heero shook his head in response, John suspected Trowa was wanting to stop now, this was enough for one day. It was no surprise for John that Heero wasn't ready to leave the pool just yet. Trowa's eyes sought John out, a questioning expression on his face, the old doctor just nodded his head, he didn't see any harm in Heero working a little longer.

Morganeth Taren'drel